By Elle May Rice
Copyright dailyrecord
There are many people that find it challenging to unwind at the end of the day, frequently turning to sleep aids and even non-prescription medicines for assistance. Yet, specialists claim there’s one particular food that could enhance your slumber. Healthcare professionals from Benenden Health suggest that by simply switching to specific foods and beverages, people can achieve restful sleep effortlessly. They explain that while consuming items such as chocolate, cheese, crisps and ice cream before bedtime might disrupt your rest, numerous foods actually encourage better sleep. The specialists recommended trying “melatonin-promoting foods” for those requiring a proper night’s rest. Among the top suggestions are bananas. They added: “Bananas are a great food all-round, but if you usually eat a banana for breakfast, you might want to think about enjoying this exotic fruit before bed instead. “They are one of the best foods for sleep, due to their high levels of magnesium which relax the muscles and calm the body. Try sliced banana with a tablespoon of natural nut butter before bed if you seek a good night’s sleep.” Healthline reports that bananas contain abundant sleep-enhancing nutrients including magnesium, tryptophan, vitamin B6, carbohydrates, and potassium, all of which research has connected to better rest. According to Healthline, a medium-sized banana (126 grams) provides around 34 mg of magnesium, which is about 8% of the recommended daily intake. This mineral could improve your sleep in various ways, including helping to regulate your body’s internal clock. Research also indicates that taking a supplement of 500mg of magnesium each day could boost melatonin production and decrease cortisol levels. Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, contrasts with melatonin, a hormone produced during sleep that can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and potentially extend sleep duration. Benenden Health also suggests other snacks such as raw honey, cherries, turkey and almonds for promoting melatonin production and improving sleep quality.
